Winifred Gallagher's astute new book, House Thinking: A Room-by-Room Look at How We Live will make you rethink just about every space in your house, and teach you why some areas work, and some don't. Moreover, it will explain what to do about it (and it isn't as hard as you might think).

The book explores the fascinating relationship between domestic space and human psychology. Anyone with an interest in architecture or interior design will likely find the author's passionate delving into mind and home to be very enlightening.

Gallagher, a New York author and journalist, believes that homes are (or ought to be) sacred spaces rather than mere dumping grounds for stuff. Years ago, upon returning from a lengthy reporting trip to Asia, she writes, "I reconsidered my dwelling with a fresh eye and saw that it had become both dysfunctional and dull." It seemed okay, but she realized that it was no longer "engaging our minds or delighting our hearts as it should. We needed to feel more at home at home." This led her toward the writing of this book, and to asking some crucial questions: "How does your home not only reflect but also affect who you are? How you feel? What you think and do?"

The book's no-nonsense approach will help you change your outlook of your home environment in baby steps, with room-themed chapters including The Kitchen, The Bathroom, The Child's Room, and so on. Gallagher provides witty and practical insights into the bedroom (how it can become a serene, less distracting space and yield a better love life); the entryway (clearing from it the clutter of umbrellas, boots, etc. gives both you and your guests a welcoming feeling, rather than a sense of stepping into chaos); and the bathroom (transforming it into a sanctuary, a space that makes you feel good about yourself).

The process of excavation-both physical and psychological-is often a painful one. The American near-mania for acquiring more possessions has had a deleterious effect on our homes, but the thought of changing habits can appear stressful and even paralyzing, Gallagher concedes. An overhaul seems like too much trouble, or too expensive, or not worthwhile.

But, says Gallagher, the so-called good life isn't to be found in costly renovations, $400 bed linens, or $10,000 TV sets: "Rather, it's about living spaces that support the way you actually live, which might only involve rearranging your furniture, and that complement who you really are, which could mean just sorting your stuff, tossing what's no longer relevant, and giving more prominence to what's especially meaningful. In short, true home improvement can require more thought than trouble or expense."

That's a beautiful idea, both in its purity and in what it can potentially offer. There's no need to keep up with the latest decorating trends when you've already defined what makes a house a home, entirely on your own terms. "House Thinking" makes this task seem not only manageable but deeply satisfying. It's an inspiring book, full of thought-provoking insights, one that will surely transform your relationship with your home (and yourself) for the better.

Image: HarperCollins

House Thinking: A Room-by-Room Look At How We Live

Cost: $24.95

Where to Buy It: Amazon